Oliver Goodwin, a Senior Associate in property at Conyers Dill & Pearman, shared his expertise in the subject.

“Boundary disputes typically arise in situations where the apparent physical and legal boundaries of properties do not accord with one another,” Mr. Goodwin said.

This can lead to one owner claiming ownership and use of the property, which is in fact owned by the neighbour.

Some disputes arise because less accurate surveying devices had been used in the past, or boundary features have naturally or intentionally shifted over time.

Other times, an informal agreement between neighbours might not have been properly formalised or recorded with the property deeds. Mr. Goodwin said this can lead to uncertainty over the legal extent of the boundaries.

Mr. Goodwin said boundary discrepancies, or existing encroachments of one property over another, are relatively commonplace in Bermuda, but they are often quite minor and rectified without issue.

“Property owners are keen to ensure that there is clarity and certainty as to the extent of their respective property boundaries and the rights and obligations of third parties to access or use their land,” he explained.

Common encroachments of one property over a neighbouring property include semi-permanent structures such as walls, fences, and patios; more permanent structures like buildings and retaining walls; and encroachments of use through garden areas or accessways.

A neighbour’s encroachment, of course, can mean you don’t get to enjoy the full use of your property – and it could also impact the underlying value of your property.

Other problems, according to Mr. Goodwin, include:

• A neighbour may successfully bring a claim for “adverse possession” regarding the encroachment area. This would mean you lose the legal title to the land and the value of your property drops.

• The neighbour’s actions on the encroaching land could damage your property in some way.

• Potential liability concerns if a neighbour is injured on your property.

• Rectifying encroachments and boundary discrepancies can be costly and time-consuming.

He warned the costs and time spent can sometimes rack up when a boundary survey is conducted of a property soon to be sold and a boundary discrepancy is identified.

“Even where both impacted property owners are in agreement and an amicable resolution is soon found, the resulting necessary boundary adjustment will require sub-division approval from the Department of Planning meaning months of delay to the sale of the property and significant costs incurred,” he said.

Unsurprisingly, Mr. Goodwin advises nipping the problem in the bud.

“I would always encourage action to be taken to consider and deal with any known boundary discrepancies or encroachments long before the possibility for a dispute arises,” he said.

“You may have an existing long-standing amicable relationship with your neighbour, but you should be mindful that this may not always be the case and very often it is best for resolution to be found at the earliest opportunity to avoid potential future conflicts.”

You should seek legal advice when considering any boundary concerns.

“Consult with a property attorney who can review your property deeds and offer guidance on your rights, legal options and how best to proceed.”

“Knowledge of the legal framework can empower you to make informed decisions and best protect your interests. An attorney can also, where appropriate, communicate with the neighbour on your behalf, potentially helping to reduce direct conflict between you and your neighbour.”

A boundary survey might help clear things up.

Mr. Goodwin said: “Where the property has not been surveyed in some time, your attorney may recommend that you instruct a boundary surveyor to inspect the property and, where appropriate, re-stake the legal property boundaries, prepare an update property plan showing the extent of the deeded property and prepare a survey report highlighting any existing boundary discrepancies or encroachments.”

The most common mistakes homeowners make while tackling boundary disputes are either to take no action at all – or to act too aggressively.

Mr. Goodwin advised taking the middle ground. You should seek to establish and formalise the underlying legal position of a boundary discrepancy or encroachment. However, avoid taking direct action such as confronting your neighbour, or erecting or moving fencing to block or frustrate access, without first taking legal advice about the potential consequences.

When your neighbour is behaving in a difficult way, Mr. Goodwin suggested the following:

• Document everything. Keep clear records of all communications with your neighbour, including dates, times and content of conversations, letters, e-mails, or any other interactions related to the dispute. This documentation can be crucial if legal action becomes necessary.

• Avoid confrontation. Where possible try to minimise direct confrontations or arguments with the neighbour. Engaging in heated discussions might exacerbate the problem. Instead, opt for written communication or involve neutral third parties like mediators or lawyers.

• Stay calm and patient. Where direct discussions are needed, do your best to maintain a composed and respectful demeanour, even if the neighbour is difficult. Emotional reactions can escalate the situation.

• Consider mediation. If direct communication has been unsuccessful, suggest mediation as an option. A neutral mediator can facilitate discussions and potentially find a resolution both parties can agree on.

• Be patient. Resolving boundary disputes can take time. It’s important to be patient and persistent in seeking a fair and legal resolution.

If your boundary dispute drags on, you could end up with legal fees, survey costs and court costs as well as unwanted property or boundary modifications – not to mention anxiety and all that wasted time.

“Like any litigation, boundary disputes can be long, stressful and expensive,” Mr. Goodwin said. “Seeking early legal advice and exploring alternative dispute resolution methods could potentially mitigate some of these costs.”

The post Ask a lawyer: Navigating property disputes appeared first on RG Magazines.

These days, you don’t even have to be a tech expert to get your living room set up with all the latest equipment – simply set your budget and take your pick from the vast range of options.

You’ll need a stereo amplifier or receiver, speakers and of course your music source, which increasingly means internet streaming. If this is already starting to sound too techy, don’t worry – staff at Bermuda’s tech stores are happy to help.

Kenneth Pemberton, who runs Gear and Gadget Bermuda on Queen Street, Hamilton, said: “For most people, the first thing we need to know is what are you going to use the home audio system for? “How are you going to entertain yourself? Are you looking for audio visual or just sound audio?”

“If a person has a question about any kind of technology, we find out what works best for you. It’s important to be as detailed as possible.”

KEY AUDIO CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDE:

• Are you a critical or casual listener?

• How big is your room?

• Will you be mainly using the system for music or television and movies?

Mr. Pemberton added: “You have to think about where people are playing music from – is it from CDs or a computer? Most people use streaming devices and don’t mind paying for Spotify. All these things work through Bluetooth or Google speakers or Amazon speakers or JBL speakers.”

“A lot of people also want to enjoy their music privately, so they need to think about headphones,” he added.

One of the big questions is how much money you are willing and able to spend.

“Not everyone is going to buy a $1,500 sound system,” Mr. Pemberton said. “They would rather find something that just does the job. But if you are willing to make the investment, you know you will be paying for quality.”

Some people select pre-packaged stereo systems, which contain an amplifier, radio tuner, receiver and speakers. This can make the process easier, but they don’t always have enough power for high-quality sound in a big room.

By assembling your own system, you get more flexibility and can customize it to meet your needs.

Stereo receivers have a range of connection options, such as phono input for vinyl records; digital audio connections for CD, DVD or Blu-ray players, cable and satellite boxes and televisions; or subwoofer output for added bass.

You can get small speakers that can fit on bookshelves, or floor-standing speakers for large rooms. Experts recommend placing them up to eight feet apart, making sure you leave space between the speaker and the wall. They should be angled towards the best listening spot in the room.

Mr. Pemberton said one of the most common mistakes people make is to buy equipment that doesn’t match up.

“If you purchase a Samsung TV, you should get a Samsung sound bar. They are designed to work together – that’s the best quality of sound you are going to get,” he explained. “When you buy things designed to work with each other, it makes the experience so much better.”

He also suggested purchasing a VPS battery back-up at a cost of about $150, to protect your investment against brown outs.

If you’re not confident installing your new equipment yourself, the store will help.

“We offer at-home support but normally these things are pretty user-friendly, and people are able to set them up themselves,” Mr. Pemberton said. “Just unpack the box, scan the code and connect to your source.”

The post Ask an audio expert: Installing a home audio entertainment system appeared first on RG Magazines.

Should you have porcelain, stone or cement flooring? Should you go for a neutral or flamboyant colour scheme? Is it worth investing in a vanity? What is the best lighting arrangement? What’s better, chrome or brass fixtures? How can you prevent mould and mildew? And, is shower glass instead of a curtain worth the price?

The answer to the last question is a resounding “yes” according to Jennifer Dearing, Senior Interior Designer at Hamma Galleries. “It’s an expensive touch, but it really opens up the bathroom. It makes everything lighter and brighter.”

Ms. Dearing has extensive experience helping her clients make the most of their bathroom spaces and, she explained, the most successful renovations all include “good space planning, storage, and material selections which reflect the personal style of the client, but remain classic enough to give the bathroom longevity.”

STYLE LONGEVITY

A bathroom is not only crucial for its user’s day-to-day comfort and happiness but, done well, it will also increase the resale value of your home. Upgrades however, can be costly, so longevity is always a priority in Ms Dearing’s designs.

“Most clients renovate their bathrooms every 20 – 30 years, so your selections now should last the test of time,” she emphasized, recommending “noble materials” such as natural stones, as well as chrome finishes and white fixtures.

“Brass or black fixtures may be trendy now, but not so much in 20 years,” she said. “I think everyone remembers the avocado or harvest gold bathrooms, which had toilets and tubs to match. Everyone couldn’t wait to get rid of them once the trend had passed. The bathrooms themselves may have been in great condition, but the style had long past its timeline!”

Her ideal bathroom would have classic tile choices in a white or cream ceramic or natural stone and “a touch of wood either in the vanity, or accessories to warm it up and keep it from being too sterile.”

An ideal ceramic tile choice is the subway tile. “Subway tiles never go out of style. They’ve been used in subways for a hundred years and they’ve been used in classy bathrooms for the same amount of time.”

A “fun floor,” she added can add personality to a bathroom, particularly patterns such as marble basket weaves or patterned cement tiles. This can be a great way to incorporate colour, while maintaining a classic look.

“I generally recommend thinking of hotel bathrooms,” she said. “Whether traditional or modern, they are usually neutral as it is not sustainable to have to remodel 400+ bathrooms every few years.”

WATERPROOFING

Being able to dry out your bathroom easily and prevent leaks, as well as mould and mildew from appearing, is vital. For this, Ms Dearing recommended using a good waterproof membrane between the walls and tile, an epoxy-based grout, and an extractor fan.

For the waterproof membrane, her product of choice is Kerdi by Schluter. This is a sheet system, which, if your shower is against an outside wall, prevents moisture coming in as well as water from your shower leaking out.

Epoxy based grout, she continued, is “indicated to inhibit the growth of mildew.” Regardless of the grout type you choose however, she advised having it sealed and then cleaned with “gentle cleansers to maintain its protective qualities,” adding that “most people think cleaning with bleach is the best, but it actually eats away at the sealer, leaving the grout porous and vulnerable to mould.” Sealers should be reapplied every few years, ideally by a professional.

Finally, she advised investing in a good extractor or heat light vent system, “to remove excess moisture or humidity quickly after a shower or hot bath.” Where budget allows, towel warmers or, if you want to go all out, under-floor heating, will also help keep your bathroom dry.

SPACE, STORAGE, ECONOMY

When it comes to small bathrooms, the layout is particularly crucial to maximise the space. “You want to have vanity first, toilet next, tub or shower right at the very end,” she said. If you have two bathrooms, she recommended a shower in one and a tub in the other. For resale value, it is worth having at least one bathtub in your home.

The current trend however, particularly in newer build homes, is for bigger bathrooms with freestanding tubs. Unless you really need it, though, she warned against these tubs as “it takes a whole lot of water to fill. It will drain most people’s average size hot water heater.”

Another economy she suggested is to only tile the bathtub or shower, leaving the rest of the room painted. “Nowadays we have really good paints,” she said. “You can wipe it all down and it saves you a lot of money in tile, or stone, and the installation of it.”

In addition to adding warmth and interest, a vanity will also give you storage. To maximise that storage potential, Ms Dearing recommended using a “bottle style drain trap” underneath your sink, instead of the larger siphon or ‘U’ trap. This gives you more space within your vanity and you can have an extra drawer ‘cut’ around the smaller trap.

LIGHTING

Lastly, but crucial to the success of your bathroom design, is lighting. For the general overhead lighting, she recommended recessed lighting, including wet location rated lighting for the bathing area, and an extractor fan, heat and light unit.

Decorative lighting such as stylish sconces either side of the vanity, at face height, are ideal for both fun and function: “For doing make up and things like that, you want the light at either side of your face and almost in front of it. That lights up your face well,” she said. “If you only have overhead lighting, it casts shadows. It doesn’t allow you to see you face properly and get all the hairs,” she laughed.

The post Ask a Designer: Building your best bathroom appeared first on RG Magazines.

Judy Maybury of JBM Realty provided us with some advice and resources so that both property managers and tenants know how to best communicate with each other, and to share who is responsible for what.

The Property Manager acts on behalf of the owner while generating income. They are responsible for all property management services, to both tenants and landlords, including: all financial arrangements, government required documentation, dealing with contractors and suppliers for upkeep and refurbishment of rental units.

If a tenant feels that they need an advocate, they should find out if their unit is under rent control, (meaning an Annual Rental Value (ARV) of $22,800 or less). If it is, they can contact Consumer’s Affairs – Rent Commission or view their website for information on Rent Control Properties at consumeraffairs. bm

For properties not under rent control, a tenant can contact a property lawyer, arrange for a summons to go to court, and/or settle by arranging for arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules.

“Before proceeding with any measures,” shares Judy, “I would advise the tenant to review the Landlord and Tenant Act 1974 and the Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Act 1978 as this will assist in determining if they will move forward and the process to action their issue(s).”

As for repairs, it’s the tenant’s responsibility to communicate with the landlord regarding any maintenance issue(s) in a timely manner assuming that the repair or maintenance issue(s) are part of the landlord’s obligation.

“I would recommend that the tenant document electronically/written format and send photos if applicable to the landlord,” explains Judy. “This will assist in expediting the repair and allow both parties to have backup support for maintenance issues to eliminate or reduce any potential future disagreements.”

When it comes to rent increases, rental units are covered by either of the aforementioned Acts. These laws exist to make sure that landlords offering residential housing units for rent operate fairly with their tenants and ensure that the legal rights of landlords and tenants are protected.

For properties not considered under rent control, there are no guidelines for calculating a rent increase. Any escalation of rent would be required to be mutually agreed between the two parties -landlord and tenant.

Do you feel you are being ignored by the landlord/Property Manager?

“Communication, transparency, compliance and understanding of their responsibilities as per lease and laws applicable to landlord and/or tenant obligations are essential for a mutually beneficial rapport with a landlord or Property Manager,” Judy explains. “I would also advise tenants to ensure that they always do their part to take care of the property as this shows respect for the landlord.”

When problems arise Judy recommends that you first try to arrange a meeting by putting this request in writing. If that request is not fruitful, contact the Property Manager’s supervisor (if applicable) and if there is still no response or resolution, contact the Rent Control Office on 297- 7700 if your property is under Rent Control.

It is important to note that the Rent Commission serves as a source of information, guidance, intervention, and referral for landlords, tenants, and the public who may have concerns and issues relevant to landlord and tenant matters. They safeguard the rights of landlords and tenants and encourage them to be aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The post How to manage the relationship between tenants and landlords appeared first on RG Magazines.

In fact, the rough-hewn “Cabbens” that many of our ancestors inhabited in the early 1600s were not painted at all, as they were most likely constructed of simple cedar frames covered with a stucco composed of whatever raw materials were available (such as lime, clay, sticks, sand, and turtle or shark oil) – and a roof thatched with Palmetto leaves.

According to The Traditional Home Building Guide published by The Department of Planning and The Bermuda National Trust however, by the I8th century “roofs, walls and even woodwork were regularly coated with limewash, which looks white or dull grey, as protection against the weather” and it is thought that even the palmetto roofs may have been painted on a regular basis.

LIMEWASH: THE FOUNDATION OF PROTECTION

Limewash is created by burning crushed limestone in a kiln and subsequently “slaking” or soaking it in water. The resulting slaked lime is meticulously sieved to eliminate lumps, and additional water is added to achieve a fluid and manageable paint consistency. The limewash is traditionally applied using a course straw brush and must be constantly stirred to prevent solid particles from settling at the bottom.

Even though limewash gave buildings an irregular and slightly shabby appearance unless it had been newly applied, it was a crucial element for preserving the early stone buildings that define Bermuda’s architectural landscape.

LEAD WHITE: A HAZARDOUS YET DURABLE PIGMENT

One of the earliest pigments to be introduced in Bermuda was lead white. Despite its toxicity, it was mixed with linseed oil to create a robust paint for both interior and exterior woodwork. Lasting four to five years, lead white paint disintegrates into dust over time, thus simplifying the preparation for a fresh coat as there is little need for scraping. Due to its toxicity however, its use was discontinued in the 1970’s.

INTRODUCTION OF COLOUR: 18TH CENTURY

Although it is unclear when Bermudians first began to apply coloured pigment to their houses, it is clear that the trend had taken hold by the last third of the 18th century as prints and watercolours from the early 19th century depict a spectrum of colours, including: yellows, browns, reds, and washed-out blues.

Imported pigments, such as ochres, burnt sienna, burnt umber, and Venetian red, were blended to produce a range of earth tones, providing a vivid contrast to the island’s blue skies and turquoise waters. One theory even suggests that in the Victorian Era British soldiers stationed on the island at the time, used random paint colours from their supply ships to fix up their cottages, thus encouraging the practice to catch on.

IMPORTED PIGMENTS AND LOCAL INNOVATIONS

It is worth noting that these early pigments were often imported in their crude form (rocks, earth, bone, and minerals), and were then ground into powders, before being blended with appropriate mediums.

In Bermuda’s isolated setting, it is likely that enterprising locals also concocted their own recipes using locally sourced pigments and there is evidence to suggest that burnt Bermuda clay was mixed with limewash to create yellow-brown or light brick hues – while indigo (which was grown in Bermuda), may have been mixed with white to produce a bluish-grey tint in the 18th century.

TRADITIONAL BERMUDA COLOURS – A DISTINCTIVE PALETTE

The traditional colours for external woodwork in Bermuda were distinctive and practical. Dark green, believed to be a mixture of two parts “Verdigris” (copper salts) to one part lampblack in oil, was used on blinds, doors, and window frames. Flat white was reserved for the windows themselves, providing a crisp contrast against the lush greenery of the island. Occasionally, a medium blue was introduced to woodwork in the 19th century, showcasing the evolution of Bermuda’s architectural aesthetics.

GIVING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME AN AUTHENTIC MAKEOVER:

Bermuda’s house paint colours tell a tale of adaptation, creativity, and resilience. From the simplicity of limewash to the introduction of imported pigments and local innovations, the island’s architecture has evolved in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Thanks to a project sponsored by Pembroke Paint Company Ltd., researchers from Texas AM were able to analyse the composition of the layers of paint on several of the Bermuda National Trust houses including Verdmont, Tankfield, and Tucker House and then matched the data collected to colours currently available in the Sherwin Williams colour collection.

“Interestingly, the research revealed that most of the early paint colours were quite muted in comparison to the colours that are popular today,” says David Swift of Pembroke Paint.

“Modern paint is water based so there is very little risk of encountering lead paint,” says Mr. Swift. “But proper prep work is essential because each layer of paint that is added to a house increases the overall weight of the paint on the building which in turn increases the likelihood that it will crack and pull away from the building allowing water to seep in.”

Mr. Swift offers the following advice for anyone planning to repaint an old Bermuda house:

• Always start by inspecting the exterior of your dwelling to look for mildew and cracks.

• Water is the enemy of old Bermuda stone and plaster, so it is essential to gently scrape, bleach and fill all cracks before repainting.

• Really old Bermuda homes sometimes have a foundation layer that is chalky or even resembles “cottage cheese” – these need to be treated with special primers and sealers – so ask for advice before proceeding if you come across this.

• Houses built near the water typically accumulate a salt coating on their exterior, while houses located near a main road tend to accumulate soot. This needs to be cleaned off before any priming or painting can take place.

• If you are uncertain exactly what colour your house has been painted, you can scrape a paint chip off the building and bring it in for a free spectrographic analysis to enable it to be colour-matched with a currently available paint colour.

For Further Information Contact: David Swift – Pembroke Paint 292-8368

The post A Palette of History – Bermuda’s Evolving House Paint Colours appeared first on RG Magazines.

But is it really as simple as these viral 90-second videos make it out to be, or is there more to it?

Better yet, is there a difference between what makes a great DIY project – and when you should seek professional help?

I sat down with two Bermuda craftsmen to strip away the hype and get some “pro tips” for working with different types of wood.

Jason Carlington, owner of the Palletable Bermuda Facebook Page first started creating furniture out of discarded pallets during the pandemic as a way to provide for his family. “It was really my wife Danielle who inspired me,” he admits. “She brought me a photo of a wine bottle rack and asked me if I could make it for our kitchen.”

The success of this first simple project got them thinking about other items that they could create from designs that were inspired by images that they found online. “A lot of people have taken an increased interest in spending time outside, so I sold quite a few raised planters as well as rustic outdoor furniture,” he explained.

UPCYCLING RECLAIMED WOOD

Working with pallet wood can be a rewarding experience, and it is also relatively easy to find discarded pallets in Bermuda as just about every importer has a stack of them piled behind their warehouse.

It is important to choose ones that are in reasonably good condition unless you really want to achieve a rustic weathered look for your finished creation.

“It might surprise some people to learn that disassembling the pallet can be the most time-consuming part of any project,” says Mr. Carlington. “The nails and screws come out of a new pallet much more easily than one that has been sitting outside for years.”

“I recommend using a crowbar or hammer and a wood chisel to disassemble the pallet – although a reciprocating saw, or a jigsaw might be required to cut a few of the more stubborn nails,” he explained.

“There is a lot of variation in how they are assembled but as a rule you can try knocking the planks from the backside to expose the nail heads a bit and then pry them off with a chisel,” he says.

TIPS FOR BUILDING WITH PALLET WOOD

• Keep in mind that pallet wood typically has rough edges, and it may be necessary to sand all sides of the boards to avoid splinters.

• Take the time to sketch a detailed plan or blueprint for your furniture piece before starting, which will help you measure accurately and minimize mistakes and make a cut list before you begin sawing up the lengths.

• Remember to give some thought as to how your finished piece will be mounted.

• Be sure to apply an appropriate indoor or outdoor finish depending on the intended use or placement of your finished piece.

• The basic tools required include: a tape measure, hand saw, power drill (or screwdriver), safety goggles and gloves.

Yearning to give that thrifted coffee table a much-needed facelift?

Anthony Madeiros of BSR Group Ltd. in Devonshire recommends that you make sure that you take time to consider what you want your finished project to look like and understand what you are getting into before you start.

“The most important thing is to figure out what type of wood the piece is constructed from, before contemplating any changes,” says Mr. Madeiros. “If the piece is made of pine there is not too much that can go wrong that cannot be fixed, but if the item is made of plywood or MDF your options will be much more limited,” he explains.

If the piece you want to work on is an antique, it is not advisable to do any work on it without first gaining an understanding of its value.

“Particularly if it is made of antique mahogany or Bermuda cedar, the best thing to do is get in touch with us so that we can assist in determining its value and make some recommendations regarding a plan of restoration,” says Mr. Madeiros.

“A full restoration process involves taking the entire piece apart so that the finish can be cleaned using the correct techniques so that the original finish and patina are preserved,” he says. “A lot of people don’t realize that when you are preserving an antique piece of furniture you need to utilize old joinery techniques and animal hide glue.”

TIPS FOR REHABBING THRIFTED FURNITURE

As a rule of thumb, understand that working on wooden furniture is a fairly physical activity and be prepared for the whole endeavour to take more time than you expect.

That said, applying a fashionable chalk paint finish to a piece of thrifted furniture is a simple four-step process involving sanding down the piece, applying a coat of primer, applying the chalk paint, and then sealing the piece with wax to stop it generating dust.

Be aware that products for stripping the old finish off furniture use harsh chemicals that can cause nasty burns – it is essential to wear a mask, gloves, eye protection and a rain jacket to protect yourself from splashes, and all the resulting residue that is scraped off needs to be collected in an old paint can and disposed of responsibly.

When it comes to general maintenance, many manufactured cleaning products actually do more harm than good. Mr. Madeiros recommends only using Goddard’s Cabinet Makers Wax for cleaning and waxing furniture as it stops the wood from drying out.

For Further Information Contact:

Jason Carlington – https:// www.facebook.com/palletablebermuda

Anthony Madeiros – BSR Group Ltd. 236-2886

The post The Do’s and Don’ts of Upcycling Wooden Furniture appeared first on RG Magazines.

We spoke to Kevin Roberts, sales representative for housewares at Gorham’s, to find out the most effective alternatives for drying your laundry. And, it turns out, there are a lot, even if you don’t have a back yard.

DRYING RACKS

Easy to fold away and open out, and small enough to move around, a metal or wooden drying rack can be used inside, outside or on a porch or balcony. The metal Whitmor compact drying rack costs $80.99 and is sturdier and better for heavier laundry than it’s wooden counterpart, but the latter only costs $32.99. Another option, at $69.99, is the Tripod Air Dryer, but this one requires hangers to dry your clothes instead of pegs.

RETRACTABLE DRYING LINES

A space-saving and flexible option to dry your laundry naturally is a retractable washing line. This can be attached to something sturdy, such as an inside or outside wall, or tree, extended when needed, and then put away again when not.

With five lines that extend up to 34 feet, the option with the most drying space is the Household Essentials Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Clothesline Dryer. “If you don’t want to set it up from the side of the house or a tree, it comes with brackets and hardware included if you want to have it set up as a T-bar,” explained Mr. Roberts.

For something smaller, there are single line retractables, which extend up to 40 feet, or 8 feet. The latter is ideal for hanging in a bathroom, for example. Another option for smaller spaces, and lighter laundry, is the Woolite wall mounted accordion-style drying rack.

OUTDOOR CLOTHES LINES

If you have the space, a more permanent washing line outside could actually have your laundry dry before a tumble dryer has even finished its cycle. The three options available for this are the ‘umbrella’ washing line, also known as a ‘whirligig’, a newer version of this, called a ‘parallel clothes line’, and the traditional posts with rope or washing line – or just the rope or line if you have two appropriately spaced trees.

The household essentials umbrella-style washing line costs $144.99 and comes with a “sleeve”, which goes into the ground. The line is then easy to take out if strong winds are forecast.

The parallel clothes line is what Mr. Roberts recommended, if you have the space. It costs $189.99, but, he said, “This one is a bit sturdier. It’s better balanced. It has a bit more space than the umbrella.”

If you want a more permanent washing line, you will need lumber posts, which are $51.99 each for the smooth ones, and $53.49 each for rustic, along with wire or rope, and wire cable clamps.

RUST PROOFING

In Bermuda if there’s metal, there will be rust, even if the box says ‘rust-proof ’. For drying contraptions and hardware that you intend to use outside, Mr. Roberts recommended spraying them with Rust-Oleum Clear coat paint: “They will last a lot longer. Not a lot of people know that,” he said.

All prices were accurate at the time of writing, but are subject to change.

The post How to Ditch the Dryer appeared first on RG Magazines.

Container gardening has numerous advantages over a traditional garden plot as it allows plants to be cultivated in just about any sheltered spot that gets morning sunlight including balconies, and patios, and can be as simple as a few herbs in repurposed yogurt cups on your kitchen windowsill or a complex array of stacking planters yielding enough fresh produce to meet the needs of an entire family.

Regardless of whether you are a complete novice or an experienced green thumb, the initial question beyond what do you want to grow quickly becomes – how do you choose the right containers to meet your needs?

Eugene O’Connor, Co-Owner of Bermuda Green Thumb (a Division of the Bermuda Florist Limited), says that as a rule you can grow shallow root vegetables such as herbs and leafy salad vegetables in just about any container with adequate drainage. When it comes to carrots and potatoes however, “it is all about depth because their root system requires 10-12 inches of soil.”

Bermuda Green Thumb stocks a wide range of horizontal and vertical containers guaranteed to suit every landscape and aesthetic situation, and each comes with its own list of pros and cons – terra-cotta pots for example may be aesthetically pleasing, but they also dry out quickly in Bermuda’s steamy summer weather and will require constant watering.

“If you are older or want to avoid back breaking digging, you could opt for a waist-high raised bed container,” says Mr. O’Connor. “We even have some with wheels so that they can be moved inside in bad weather and then placed back out when the storm is over.”

Containers also offer greater control over soil conditions, enabling gardeners to tailor the soil mix to suit specific plant needs, ensuring better drainage and aeration; and they also make it easy to supplement your soil with organic fertilizer or aged compost to achieve a good yield.

“If your raised bed is particularly large, however, you can fill the bottom half with a mixture of dry branches and other aged forest plant material. This has the advantage of cutting down on the overall weight of the container and the cost of potting mix,” he explains.

How do you find the ideal location for your container?

Regardless of the type of container that you opt for, Mr. Aaron Furbert, who operates Furbert’s Vertical Gardening, also recommends choosing a spot that gets plenty of sunlight that is also sheltered from strong prevailing wind. He specializes in fabricating vertical garden structures which are fashioned from recycled plastic drums making them very durable.

“Vertical gardening is a good way to grow plants in abundance in a small area that would not normally be able to accommodate many plants,” he says. “These containers lift the plants off the ground making them less susceptible to pests and also need less watering because very little of the soil surface area is exposed.”

While you can grow just about anything except for pumpkin and watermelon in a vertical tower, Mr. Furbert recommends plants from the brassica plant family. “Things like lettuce, kale, mustard greens, and arugula do particularly well in vertical towers, as do small flowering plants such as marigolds,” he explained.

How do you decide whether to install a vertical garden or a raised bed?

When deciding between installing a vertical garden or a raised bed, it is important to start by considering where you want to place your garden unit.

Vertical gardens which can grow between 30-120 plants in a single unit (depending on the model that you choose) are ideal for smaller areas, making them an excellent choice for balconies or limited yard space, while raised beds are an excellent choice for larger gardens with access to plenty of sunlight. They also have the advantage of being constructed (or configured) to just about any size and shape.

It is also important to consider the soil requirements of the type of plants you wish to cultivate, as some may thrive better in vertical arrangements, while others may prefer the depth and soil volume of raised beds.

Finally, think about maintenance preferences and accessibility, as raised beds are generally easier to reach and tend to, while vertical gardens may need to be rotated regularly to ensure that plants develop evenly due to their vertical orientation.

And if this all seems like a bit too much effort, Mr. Furbert can also provide organic seedlings and a customized maintenance program to meet individual needs.

Looking to dust off your carpentry skills and start container gardening on a budget?

Why not construct a raised vegetable bed from reclaimed wood?

• Begin by selecting a suitable location with ample sunlight and access to water.

• Outline the bed’s dimensions with sticks and string and then clear the area of grass and weeds.

• Next, construct a wooden frame using recycled lumber cut to the appropriate lengths, and secure the corners with screws or bolts. Keep in mind that you will most likely need at least two rows of boards to achieve a soil depth of 10-12 inches.

• Line the bottom with cardboard or landscaping fabric to discourage weeds from growing up into the bed and then fill the bed with a high-quality soil mix, combining equal parts of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or coconut fibre for good drainage and nutrient retention.

• Be sure to level the soil and water it thoroughly before planting.

• Plant with the veggies of your choice and water as needed.

Whatever your circumstances, container gardening offers flexibility in plant selection and empowers individuals to create beautiful, functional gardens while overcoming space limitations and enhancing gardening success.

For more information contact:

Eugene O’Connor – Bermuda Green Thumb 236-5862

Aaron Furbert – Furbert’s Vertical Gardening 777-8125

The post Tips for container gardening in Bermuda appeared first on RG Magazines.

Having a home office doesn’t mean you need an extra room in the house. Sure, it’s nice if you have the space but you can carve out a well-organized and stylish area in almost any quiet corner.

First, find a spot that doesn’t have a lot of foot traffic so you can concentrate and the rest of the household can go about their business as usual. After all, you don’t want them in your Zoom call just as much as they don’t want to be in it! If you have an extra closet, clear it out and set up a desk with a nice lamp, a filing cabinet and computer.

Can’t spare the storage space?

Tuck a space away in the corner of the dining room, which you most likely only use for meals after the workday is done. Avoid working in the bedroom (you want to keep that space as restful and stress free as possible) and in the living room which can be the centre of your family activities.

One of the easiest ways to keep focused is by being organized. It may be hard to get excited about work on some days but having pretty stationary, attractive filing folders and a pretty stapler will help you get motivated. If you are incorporating a work space into a room in your home, make it an attractive part of the design.

Think about lighting.

If you can set up a desk by the window and enjoy the positive energy that sunlight brings – great! If not, make sure you have sufficient lighting so you don’t strain your eyes while working during the day. Pick a warm light and make sure to use a screen protector if your day includes long stretches at the computer.

Add a plant! Since we are surrounded by nature, green is a naturally soothing colour to us. A pretty pot will give your workspace visual interest.

It’s no secret colour has a huge effect on our mood.

If painting the walls is in your plan (and budget) choose soft shades like moody blues with grey undertones, rich navy, sage green, or warm grey. Stay away from bold shades like red, orange, or yellow – they are too high energy for a long term work space.

Finally, remember to schedule your work between specific hours. You may be tempted to crack open the lap top after dinner or before bed but remember that in order to be productive, you need down time to relax unwind. Treat working from home just like working from work – arrive at a certain hour, give yourself the appropriate break and end on time.

All in all, whether you’re working from home, starting a business, studying, or need a spot for yourself, these guidelines will assist you in creating the space that’s perfect for your needs. Now, go get ‘em, tiger!

The post DIY Upgrade: Home Office Ideas appeared first on RG Magazines.

We spoke with the multi-talented Jodi Virgil, B.A., M.A., Founder/Creative Director of Organized Solutions Bermuda. With their updated website, www.osb4me.com, who better to get us on track? Here’s what we learned about her and her business:

Give us an overview of the services that you offer?

At Organized Solutions Bermuda, we focus on three main areas within the de-cluttering and organising space: Residential – any space in the home, Residence Relocations – a local or international move, and Paper & Digital De-cluttering – downsizing physical paper and setting up digital filing systems.

How did you get into this business?

I’ve always said that my prior positions prepared me for my present day possibilities.

In 2005, moving back to Bermuda after about 15 years of living in the US was a huge transition, both personally and professionally. Not only was I ending a relationship and making a permanent move back home, I was downsizing from a three-bedroom condo to a studio apartment, and had decided to completely change my career.

With all these life adjustments, emotions, and transitions, I was pretty overwhelmed. I figured that I could not be the only one and sought information. A simple internet search led me to the National Association of Productivity and Organising Consultants (NAPO) and I was introduced to an entirely new industry – professional organising.

The industry felt familiar because I had spent so much of my life organizing and managing my time as an educator and HR professional. I knew that I had to share my learning with others!

Have you found there’s been an increase in the need for your services, since Covid-19 and why?

Yes, due to a number of factors. Work, life and family were completely thrown together. We were always at home, and couldn’t escape the clutter. Many families decided to renovate, as travel was non-existent – de-cluttering is a very important first step when renovating.

Covid-19 also provided time for reflection on what was important – “time” versus “things”. People are viewing de-cluttering and getting organised as a way to support mindfulness, supported by de-cluttering shows such as Marie Kondo and Home Edit.

Lastly, there’s been conversations around climate change, fast fashion, and challenges to consumerism and cheap materials.

What rooms of the house do people most often want to utilize your services for?

Without a doubt, closets, kitchens, and kids’ rooms!

Closets represent about 60% of our business niche. They’re accessed daily and people always tend to have an overflow of clothes and shoes, or it’s the spare room closet that quickly becomes junk closet!

Kitchens are in our face every day – we can’t close the door and not enter it. It’s vital to home life.

Kids’ zones tend to get out of control quickly, especially as children rapidly outgrow clothing and toys, or have hobbies and extra-curricular activities.

In addition, home moves are popular as folks want a total home downsize. They don’t want to carry items to a new home, or they want to start fresh.

General paper de-cluttering is also big, with the move to cloud-based storage becoming more popular.

Do Bermudians still “spring clean”?

Yes, that is definitely a tradition that has developed in many cultures that is also highlighted in Bermuda. Even though de-cluttering is not cleaning, per se, it is a connected activity. It is so much harder to keep our spaces clean when we have lots of stuff. I let clients know that de-cluttering can decrease housework time by 40%. – always a bonus!

We tend to want to “get the house sorted” at other times of year as well: Easter, Cup Match, Back to School, the changing of seasons, etc. New Year’s always brings an uptake in requests for services because people tend to refresh their goals and want to make a “fresh start”.

Lastly, when folks experience a transition (relationship, death, job, family expansion, etc.), we are often motivated to start fresh or reset to manage the new items we have on our plate.

What do you do with items that people no longer want?

One of the best parts of our business is that we connect those who have, with those who may need – people helping people.

The charity space is robust here on island. People love thrift stores and vintage items. We provide donation or disposal drop off services because we realise that we are able to help by removing a task off of someone’s plate – we make life easier for people.

We always start with the person’s favourite charity or cause. We also try and keep connected with those places that support overseas locations – general or with crisis responses.

For disposal, we will take items to Tyne’s Bay. Shredding is a big deal for those who are doing paper de-cluttering.

Do you work with any other service providers? If so, who and how?

We stay very connected to the individuals who work in various capacities in residential spaces.

While we do not work directly with service providers in all instances, we often share insight on the professional that can assist with the next step in the process and help our client along their organisation journey. Examples include, Interior Designers, Contractors, Carpenters, Professional Cleaners, Lawyers, and IT Professionals.

What’s a simple process for someone who would like to get themselves organized?

THERE ARE THREE STEPS IN THE PROCESS I LIKE TO USE:

OBSERVE. Why has the clutter developed? What motivates me to change?

S STEP BACK. Create a plan on how to manage your possessions. Work in chunks of time that are manageable for you.

B BREAKTHROUGH. Remember that becoming and staying organized is a process. How are you going to keep it going? Choose best times even if it’s only 30 minutes. Keep it simple.

Lastly, remember that it’s doable! Take small steps. Value progress over perfection. We can help you get started with complimentary consultations, to help you organise, feel great about yourself and your space!

The post Spring Fling appeared first on RG Magazines.